A couple of years ago after seeing a nutritionist I went gluten and dairy free and all my symptoms went away and I was so happy. Then a few months ago my symptoms returned I’m getting bad urgency and incomplete evacuation and sharp tummy pains. I saw the doctor who gave me a fit test which came back “normal no action to be taken” so now I don’t know what to do or think I have had a couple of accidents while out and now I’m so scared to go very far it’s so upsetting I don’t know what to try next. Any suggestions would be welcome thank you for listening.
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JanetJAM
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Hi, I really do sympathise, the unpredictably of this condition is awful. It can destroy your self confidence, and ruins your social life in addition to the physical symptoms. I'm still trying to "cure" it myself, but in the meantime I'm trying to live with it by always wearing panty liners (such fun🙁), planning my trips/routes carefully to always be near a toilet, carrying spare knickers, wearing dark trousers. I've bought a radon key for public disabled toilets from Amazon.. and I think there's a card you can get to show shops etc that you need a toilet urgently,. This all gives me a greater sense of security which eases the anxiety a bit. It isn't stress/anxiety causing mine, I've done hypnosis etc, but I've noticed my stomach starts to ache just as I'm about to walk out the door, so it would be so easy to just not bother if I don't have to go out. What do you mean by a "fit" test, never heard of that?
There has been some recent research which suggests that people with gluten sensitivity are actually intolerant to fructans, which occur in many cereals as well as other foods, so you might have (or have developed) a wider sensitivity. Might be worth having a look at sources of fructans to see if you can reduce consumption, otherwise you might just be unlucky and the IBS has changed, which happens commonly. However, any changes might be temporary, so hang in there; you’ll probably find a workaround as we’ve all had to from time to time. Hope you find a solution soon.
That seems to be the nature of the beast, that just when you think you figured it out, it employs a different tactic to make you miserable. So frustrating. Please hang in there and gather as much info as you can. Something is bound to work. Best case scenario is that this new bout is just temporary. Fingers crossed. All the best.
I hate to have to say it but IBS can do those things. After a couple of "shots over the bows" (warnings) in Autumn 2017 (which I blamed on food choices at the time, as I'd never heard of IBS!) I had IBS symptoms early 2018, and after one week of horrible loose stools, it all disappeared for 2 years!! To return in Spring 2020.
And every so often -through nothing I have done or not done, and randomly -it goes away again and I am normal for weeks on end.
But it always comes back, though not as bad now as it was 4 years ago.
I have given up trying to out-smart it. Nothing I do cures it. Certain things help it.
I don't know if you've tried experimenting with diet (low Fodmap, or maybe a lower fibre diet?) Or if you have tried experimenting with Imodium? I don't mean getting into a constipation/diarrhoea loop which is awful but maybe finding a small dose that might regulate bowel movements more and give you more freedom to be able to go out with confidence?
hi thank you I have tried a number of things I have loose stools most of the time but still have trouble emptying my bowels I seem to be in and out of the loo in the mornings then it calms down for the rest of the day. I take Imodium now and again but it tends to stop me going at all for a few days. Do you find a small dose regulates you? Maybe half a tablet? That might be worth trying and would help if I want to go out for the day without worrying.
hiya, I can complete relate to how your feeling. I have had a real struggle since 2022. I have IBS and Inflammatory bowel disease. I very much do what Letsfixit does for trips out. I carry all necessary items that I may need if I have an accident or my tummy is unsettled. I always wear dark clothing too, I am also very careful what I eat and try to stick to what I call safe foods for me. I also have a radar key and a card to show if I need the toilet in an emergency. Luckily I haven’t needed either but I really haven’t been far and only ventured out for a few hours. I also carry items with me to work too just to be on the safe side. I can really sympathise too as it has an awful impact on your life in general. Hopefully in your case it is just a flare and will pass shortly. If it continues I would push your GP for further testing. There are a few tests the GP can do to check for other conditions. I had a fit test and mine was only marginally positive so was referred to gastroenterology. My GP did a Calprotectin test over two weeks and it was positive which is indicative of inflammatory bowel disease. You can also get urgency with Bile acid malabsorption. I do hope that things settle for you but I know it is not fun, I keep going into flares which then means 3 months of steroids. My tummy is not the best at the moment as I have had antibiotics for a chest and throat infection so have lost my confidence to do things. Hopefully my tummy will settle again in time. I try to have gluten free where possible and am still currently under a dietitian. I have started probiotics which I think help me to tolerate a greater variety of food but obviously still go into flares. It is a really tricky condition to manage which very few people understand. Good luck and I hope things improve and my advice helps a little. 😊
oh yes thankyou it’s nice to be in touch with people who get it. A lot of people just say don’t worry you’ll be fine! When I know I won’t. I’ve started wearing tena pants when I go out if my tummy is feeling bad which makes me less anxious but it’s like a catch 22 situation the more anxious you feel the worse it gets. I’ve been staying in in the mornings cos that’s my worst time I’m much better in the afternoons so go out then, thank you for your help.
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